The Choice of Barabbas is a significant event in the New Testament, recorded in all four Gospels: Matthew 27:15-26, Mark 15:6-15, Luke 23:13-25, and John 18:39-40. This event takes place during the trial of Jesus Christ before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. It highlights the stark contrast between Jesus, the sinless Son of God, and Barabbas, a known criminal, and the choice presented to the people of Jerusalem.

Historical Context

During the Passover festival, it was customary for the Roman governor to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. This tradition is mentioned in all four Gospel accounts, indicating its significance and acceptance among the people. The practice served as a gesture of goodwill from the Roman authorities to the Jewish populace, allowing them to exercise a degree of mercy and justice.

Barabbas

Barabbas is described in the Gospels as a notorious prisoner. Matthew 27:16 refers to him as a "notorious prisoner," while Mark 15:7 and Luke 23:19 describe him as having been involved in an insurrection and committing murder. John 18:40 simply calls him a "robber." The name Barabbas means "son of the father" in Aramaic, which presents an ironic juxtaposition to Jesus, the true Son of the Father.

The Choice

Pilate, recognizing the innocence of Jesus and perceiving that the chief priests had handed Him over out of envy (Matthew 27:18), sought to release Jesus by offering the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas. Pilate's wife also sent him a message, urging him to have nothing to do with "that righteous man" because of a troubling dream she had (Matthew 27:19).

Despite Pilate's attempts to reason with the crowd, the chief priests and elders persuaded the people to ask for Barabbas and to demand the crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27:20). When Pilate asked, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" the crowd shouted, "Barabbas!" (Matthew 27:21). Pilate then asked, "What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" to which they replied, "Crucify Him!" (Matthew 27:22).

Significance

The choice of Barabbas over Jesus is a profound moment that underscores the rejection of the Messiah by His own people. It illustrates the depth of human sinfulness and the blindness of the crowd, influenced by the religious leaders. The release of Barabbas, a guilty man, in place of Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God, serves as a powerful symbol of the substitutionary atonement that Jesus would accomplish on the cross. Jesus, though innocent, was condemned so that sinners, represented by Barabbas, might be set free.

Theological Implications

The event highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering Messiah, who would be "despised and rejected by men" (Isaiah 53:3). It also emphasizes the sovereignty of God in the unfolding of His redemptive plan, as even the actions of sinful men serve to accomplish His purposes. The choice of Barabbas over Jesus serves as a reminder of the cost of redemption and the grace extended to humanity through the sacrifice of Christ.